The Jacksonville Sharks documented a broad community outreach effort across Northeast Florida during 2025 and 2026. The activities included veterans initiatives, school visits, leadership presentations, charitable events, fan appearances and youth recognition programs. The organization also continued to participate in community events with local groups, schools and veterans organizations.
Helping Hands for Heroes launched the Hands for Restoration Mission on May 1, 2026. The mission brings resources, stability and hope to veterans in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Sharks also participated in Night to Shine 2026, UNF’s Swoop the Loop 5K and the MLK Parade during the first part of 2026.
“For Community Outreach Opportunities with the Jacksonville Sharks email: catherine@jaxsharks.com”
Recent community outreach
- May 1, 2026: Helping Hands for Heroes launched the Hands for Restoration Mission.
- Feb. 19, 2026: Coach Gibson gave a leadership talk to students at Victory Prep.
- Feb. 13, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in Night to Shine 2026.
- Feb. 7, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in UNF’s Swoop the Loop 5K.
- Jan. 19, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in the MLK Parade.
- Dec. 17, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks surprised a child with presents.
- Nov. 19, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks Foundation, True Vet Solutions and Coryell Roofing announced the 2025 Helping Hands for Heroes Scholar Athlete award recipients.
- Nov. 8, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks held their first Campfire Breakfast for veterans.
School outreach and player recognition
The Jacksonville Sharks supported area students through leadership presentations, school visits and the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week program. Coach Gibson gave a leadership presentation to three classes at Bishop Snyder High School on Oct. 20, 2025, and spoke to the team at Smith Hulsey and Busey on July 8, 2025. Coach Gibson, Fin and players also read to children at Louis Sheffield Elementary School on May 28, 2025.
- Oct. 30, 2025: Beachside High School running back Vincent Galella was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Oct. 23, 2025: Oakleaf High School running back Fareed Coleman was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Oct. 17, 2025: Nease High School linebacker Jacob Curry was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Oct. 9, 2025: Bishop Kenny High School quarterback Gavin Hawkins was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Oct. 3, 2025: Oakleaf High School quarterback Jack McKissock was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Sept. 25, 2025: Yulee High School defensive lineman Turtle Ricks was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Sept. 18, 2025: Pedro Menendez High School safety Luke Harmon was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Sept. 12, 2025: Episcopal High School running back Levi Ritter was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Sept. 4, 2025: First Coast High School safety Miguel Jimenez was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- Aug. 28, 2025: Paxon High School defensive end Stephen Akita was selected as the True Vet Solutions and 1010XL High School Player of the Week.
- May 2, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks visited Anchor Academy Elementary School.
Veterans and community events
Veterans-focused outreach was a recurring part of the Jacksonville Sharks’ community activity. The Jacksonville Sharks Foundation partnered with True Vet Solutions and Coryell Roofing on the 2025 Helping Hands for Heroes Scholar Athlete award. The Jacksonville Sharks also participated in the True Vet Solutions Run for Heroes 5K, Guns & Hoses, the First Coast Heart Walk and a Campfire Breakfast for veterans.
- Oct. 11, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks and The Attack participated in the True Vet Solutions Run for Heroes 5K.
- Oct. 4, 2025: Chum and members of The Attack participated in the First Coast Heart Walk.
- Sept. 20, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in Guns & Hoses.
- Aug. 6, 2025: Sharks vice president Dave Gleeson attended Camp Citi with the Northeast Florida Boys & Girls Club.
- May 2, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks visited the USS Indianapolis and USS Ramage.
The Jacksonville Sharks also appeared at family, fan and local organization events. The activities included Booval Trunk or Treat, HCA’s Carnival, Florida Blue’s Back to School Bash, Flight Adventure Park’s 10th birthday celebration and fan events at Island Wing and Flight Adventure Trampoline Park. Chum participated in several of those appearances, including HCA’s Carnival and Florida Blue’s Back to School Bash.
- Feb. 13, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in Night to Shine 2026.
- Feb. 7, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in UNF’s Swoop the Loop 5K.
- Jan. 19, 2026: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in the MLK Parade.
- Oct. 24, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks participated in Booval Trunk or Treat.
- Oct. 13, 2025: Chum participated in HCA’s Carnival.
- Sept. 28, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks attended Flight Adventure Park’s 10th birthday celebration.
- Aug. 4, 2025: Chum participated in Florida Blue’s Back to School Bash.
- July 22, 2025: Chum met with fans at Island Wing.
- May 5, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks visited Flight Adventure Trampoline Park for activities with fans.
Fan events and team activities
- Aug. 6, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks’ super fans hosted an end-of-season award ceremony for the team at Island Wing.
- Aug. 3, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks held a playoff watch party at Al’s Pizza.
- June 25, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks held a team-building event at Paintball Adventures.
- May 28, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks held a player appearance night at Al’s Pizza.
- May 28, 2025: Chum attended a wedding.
- May 28, 2025: The Jacksonville Sharks held a player card signing night.
Source: Original report